Coalition borrowing money to buy votes, says Opposition finance spokesman

The Government have been accused of using the budget to buy votes and of disproportionately putting more money into the pockets of higher earners.

Fianna Fáil finance spokesman Michael McGrath made the claim as he dissected the Coalition’s spending and tax plans for next year and claimed they lacked a vision for post-austerity Ireland.

The Cork South Central TD said a couple on a joint income of €41,000 a year would only benefit by €174 a year compared to a couple on €70,000, who would get an extra €1,500 next year.